The Magnaura

[Rowan]

Vartholomaios stands up and bows towards the departing Basileus

I am most honored in accepting this nomination.

[_Tristan_]

I wish to send my congratulations to Grand Master Ksiros for his appointment as Dean of the University.

I also extend my best wishes to our two young Senators willing to take the burden of the Empire on their shoulders. Both appear to be able to show common sense and will certainly be assets in the years to come.

In the spirit of Senator Voutoumitis' speech, I'd like to propose the following Edict :

Edict 8.1 : Before considering the building of Prioritized Buildings, The Megas Logothetes will have to provide the necessary funds to the improvement of settlements (OOC : wall upgrades). The Megas Logothetes will be free to choose the order in which the settlements will be improved.

Too many of our citizens are forced to live in slums beyond the walls of our cities large and small and many of our castles are not vast enough to provide adequate lodging for our military and enough space to provide protection for those living under their protection.

Such neglect is cause for unrest and is not worthy or the might of our Empire. This legislation is intended to correct the grave neglect of these past years.

[ULC]

Demetrios nods at Methodios.

I second Edict 8.1

[Zim]

Welcome to the race Senators Erotikos and ek Sinopis.I look forward to any debates we have on the issues at hand.

One of Arintheos' aides, poring through a huge stack of papers, whispers to the Senator

Caesar, that edict addresses a major problem in the Empire, especially in regions that have not had a lot of resources sent their way. It's shameful that we have not been able to keep up our infrastructure in some of our rapidly growing settlements. I fear one of my aides has advised me that it may require a Codex Amendment, however. Perhaps the esteemed Protosecrates can clarify.

In the meantime I don't think it would be too much to ask the candidates to make a pledge that such vital settlement improvements will be a priority if they are elected. I will start.

If I am elected, larger walls for those settlements in which they're needed will be the my very first building priority, and funds devoted to them as soon as allowable by law.

[TheFlax]

Markos ek Sinopis returns with a bundle of scrolls, behind him are many aides also carrying a great deal of scrolls. As Markos starts speaking, they hand a small bundle of scrolls to each senator.

Esteemed colleagues, I have spoken before, as my counterpart, Senator Arintheos, also did, about the need to implement certain reforms if we are to see our Empire prosper once more. What you have before you is a report encompassing the whole of the Empire, province by province. Listed in this report, you will find the positioning of all our forces and the cost of their upkeep. Also noted are a series of recommendations or comments, made by my person, in order maximize the efficiency of each florin spent.

My overall strategy is to affect an increase in taxes where ever it is possible, accompanied by the disbanding of all troops who are not useful to the Empire. I must also emphasize the need to disband all mercenary units as soon as possible, to be replaced if necessary by regular troops.

For your convenience, I have color coded each settlements and armies to indicated at a glance if they are problematic or not. Settlements and armies named in red ink means they are highly problematic and need to be addressed as soon as possible. Those in orange ink are less problematic and can be addressed once more important matters have been tended to. Those is black ink show neither major problems nor a very good position. Finally, those in green ink are settlements and armies which are in a very good position.

And now with the report, which has been divided according to five geographical locations.

The Balkans

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Fleet off the coast of Venice: 177 men (356 florins) and 6 ships (893 florins)

These forces have been sitting there for more than one term, draining more than 1000 florins from the treasury each turn while serving little purpose.

- Helarionas Anargiros (In the Adriatic): 743 men (2057 florins) and 5 ships (750 florins)

See Iakob ek Trebizond's report.

- Andreas Dermokaitis (Heading to Ragusa, near Zagreb): 404 men (800 florins)

Much needed reinforcements to the Venetian Front.

- Ragusa (Ioannis Kalameteros): 90 men (Free)

Part of the Venetian front and should be reinforced. Troops are already on their way.

- Belgrade (Andreas Dermokaitis): 404 men (380 florins)

Part of the Venetian front and should be reinforced.

- Fleet between Ragusa and Bari: 2 ships (300 florins)

Transports heading for Arintheos Voutoumitis.

- Emperor Ioannis: 870 men (2325 florins) and 6 ships (900 florins)

If this fleet makes better progress than last term it should be able to take one of the Venetian cities soon and place us back on the offensive.

- Durazzo (Helarionas Anargiros): 180 men (free)

Taxes could be increased from Low to Normal.

- Fleet at the mouth of the Adriatic: 90 men (600 florins) and 1 ship (525 florins)

Reinforcements for the Venetian front. Once they arrive at destination the mercenary galley should be disbanded.

- Scopia (Emperor Ioannis): 112 men (70 florins) and 90 men (free)

Bandits are operating in the region and should be eliminated as they are hampering trade. Taxes could be increased from Normal to High.

- Arintheos Voutoumitis: 264 men (354 florins)

Reinforcements for the Venetian front.

Greater Greece

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Arta (Emperor Ioannis): 270 men (300 florins)

Part of the garrison could be demobilized or the taxes could be increased from Normal to High.

- Corinth (Alexios ek Ikoniou): 292 men (350 florins) and 90 men (free)

All the troops without a free upkeep could either be moved to the front or disbanded.

- Athens (Ioannis Kalameteros): 382 men (400 florins) and 360 men (free)

Even with its large garrison, Athens has its taxes set to Low. The rampant squalor in the city has made keeping civil order tenuous at best and if the walls of the city are not expanded to Large Stone Walls, the city will revolt or become a sinkhole for money as we pour in more troops to maintain order.

- Nevoulion (Isaakios the Lazy): 473 men (918 florins) and 51 men (free)

The garrison here could be reduced and replaced by militia, thus easily cutting the troop upkeep by more than half if we count the units that will support themselves. Furthermore, the taxes could be raised from Low to Normal, but only if there remains enought troops to maintain order. Most of the public disorder here finds its roots in the rampant squalor of the city which could be remedied by building a Large Stone Wall.

- Thessalonike (Ammonathas Kalameteros): 494 men (600 florins) and 400 men (free)

Thessalonike suffers from the exact symptoms as its sister cities previously mentioned. As it was the case for Nevoulion, the professional troops in its garrison should be exchanged for militia to reduce costs. Also, because of the squalor causing a large drop in public order, taxes are at Normal and so there is more leeway in the number of troops needing to be kept in garrison. Here also, Large Stone Walls should be built to accomodate the growing population.

- Ballistas heading to Belgrade: 60 men (300 florins)

Reinforcements for the Venetian front.

- Ammonathas Kalameteros and Zigavinos Vasilakios: 644 men (1849 florins)

Heading to the Venetian front.

- Constantinople (Emperor Ioannis): 90 men (100 florins) and 584 men (free)

I am glad to report that the jewel of our Empire is probably the settlement in best posture. Not only does the city bring us a large amount of revenu through taxes (Which could be increased from High to Very High if we choose to forgo Growth.) but its garrison is nearly cost free.

- Sofia (Apionnas Vringas): 868 men (1480 florins) and 90 men (free)

This settlement is easily the best example of wasted florins. This castle's troops should either be move to the Venetian front or be disbanded as only a small garrison is needed to maintain order.

- Bucharest (Apionnas Vringas): 270 men (free)

This settlement needs its walls upgrated to Stone Walls to accomodate the growing population.

Asia Minor

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Nicaea (Emperor Ioannis): 30 men (150 florins) and 396 men (free)

Another city in good shape, even though a group of bandits prey on its lands. They should be removed when possible. Also, why are ballistas stationed in the city? They serve little purpose and should be disbanded promply.

- Dardanellia (Emperos Ioannis): 224 men (200 florins) and 112 men (free)

The men not supported by the Castle should be disbanded.

- Sophronios Komnenos (South of Nicaea, East of Dardanellia): 90 men (100 florins)

What is this man doing there? And for how long has he camped in those hills with a unit? He serves no purpose and the troops accompanying him should be disbanded.

- Smyrna (Sophronios Komnenos): 112 men (70 florins) and 90 men (free)

Taxes could be increased from Normal to Very High.

- Rhodes (Hypatios Machonios): 224 men (140 florins)

Half of these men could be disbanded with little consequence. Also, Rhodes is ready to be upgraded into a Castle, but this should be far from a priority.

- Iconion (Zigavinos Vasilakios): 204 men (127 florins) and 90 men (free)

Iconion is need of being upgraded with Stone Walls as its rampant squalor has greatly affected public order and thus, its taxes need to be maintain at Low.

- Sinop (Nikitas Moshos): 90 men (100 florins) and 270 men (free)

Taxes could be increased from Normal to High or the unit not supported by the city could be disbanded. Also, there are reports of bandits in the area. They should be dealt with.

- Markianople (Alexios ek Iconiou): 224 men (140 florins) and 112 men (free)

The men not supported by this castle should be disbanded.

- Diyarbakir (Emperor Ioannis): 330 men (460 florins) and 90 men (free)

The men not supported by the castle should either be sent to the Order as reinforcements or be disbanded.

- Army south of Trebizond (Seemingly heading west): 382 men (550 florins)

This small force should either head south to reinforce the Order or be be disbanded.

- Fort near Trebizond: 90 men (80 florin)

This fort seems to serve no stratigical purpose and the troops it contains should be disbanded.

- Trebizond (Arintheos Voutoumitis): 90 men (80 florins) and 90 men (free)

This settlement's taxes could be increased from Low to Normal. It is also ready to receive Stone Walls.

- Yerevan (Andronikos Komnenos): 202 men (200 florins) and 270 men (free)

Public order is low even with taxes at Low and a more than fair garrison.

- Tbilisi (Andronikos Komnenos): 90 men (100 florins) and 112 men (free)

The bandits and Turks in the area should be taken care of.

- Baku (Andronikos Komnenos): 112 men (187 florins)

There is no growth in this castle.

- Andronikos Komnenos (Between Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku): 446 men (831 florins)
+ Two small forces nearby: 51 men (85 florins) and 80 men (350 florins)

It is presumed that all of these forces will join together to destroy the turkish remnant in the area, likewise for the bandits.

Levant

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Adana (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 91 men (61 florins)

- Kousinos Sophianos: 1788 men (2326 florins) and
- Ioannis Erotikos: 996 men (2333 florins)

Both men are perfectly placed to destroy the crusaders turned rebel near Antioch, relieve Theopolis and then push on to Edessa and other Seljuk Turk lands. With their large armies and some reinforcements, they could secure the eastern front from further immediate threats.

- Antiokheia (Theophylaktos Petzeas): 127 men (363 florins) and 404 men (free)

Taxes could be raised from Low to Normal or some of the units not supported by the city could be disbanded.

- Theophylaktos Petzeas (Between Antiokheia and Theopolis): 689 men (1548 florins)

Senator Theophylaktos is in position to relieve the siege of either Theopolis or Damascus, the wisest choice would probably be Damascus, as the threat to Theopolis is relatively minor. Once the siege is broken, this force could be used to strike back at the Seljuk Turks, provided it receives reinforcements or help from the other large armies in the area.

- Theopolis (Theophylaktos Petzeas): 276 men (174 florins)

The city is besieged by Salih Bey and his bodyguards. However, since he is 65 years old and cannot assault the city, the odds are good he might die before the city runs out of supplies. Of course, since the city is on the verge of revolt, it would be preferable if the siege ended sooner rather than later, but with three large armies in range, there is little doubt of that. On the matter of Theopolis' low public order, once it is no longer under siege, this should be remedied by an increase in garrison and buildings which increase public order.

- Tortosa (Kousinos Sophianos): 180 men (free) and 7 ships (1050 florins)

This city houses the eastern fleet and is ready to be upgraded with Stone Walls. Even with taxes at Low, the public order is precarious. It will need either more troops in its garrison or buildings to improve public order.

- Damascus (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 404 men (356 florins) and 314 men (free)

While the garrison is unusually large, the city is under siege by a large force of Seljuk Turks and all its troops will be needed. The city is also ready to be upgraded with Stone Walls.

- Nicosia (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 112 men (free)
+ Fort: 112 men (70 florins)

The fort on this island seems to serve no purpose and should be disbanded.

- Acre (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 112 men (70 florins) and 112 men (free)

The men not supported by the castle could be disbanded.

Africa

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

- Benghazi (Emperos Ioannis): 964 men (650 florins)

Not only is this wooden castle strategically irrelevant, but its huge garrison of poor troops is a drain on the treasury. A tenth of these men would suffice to guard the place.

- Alexandria (Efthymios ek Herakliou): 714 men (762 florins) and 494 men (free)

Alexandria is in a sorry state, so much that it seems some of its infrastructure has not been repaired. Squalor is the primary factor of public disorder, combined with the distance from the capital, even with taxes at Low and a huge garrison, maintaining public order is tenuous at best. A massive amount of florin will need to be invested if we are to give the city the Huge Stone Walls it needs to accomodate its dense population. It is an investment our treasury could not afford at the moment, without some serious cutbacks throughout the Empire.

- Prince Methodios the Conqueror: 1276 men (2300 florins)

Heading west to take back his daughter from Helarionas Anargiros?

- Gaza (Prince Methodios the Conqueror): 596 men (941 florins) and 90 men (free)

Unless the troops unsupported by the castle are used by the Ceasar in his expedition, they should be disbanded. The castle has no growth.

- Cairo (Prince Methodios the Conqueror): 344 men (314 florins), 494 men (free) and 5 ships (533 florins)

Cairo is in a similar state as Alexandria, needing the same upgrade due to an even bigger squalor problem. The most noticeable drain on the treasury are the 5 ships sationed there that serve little purpose as the Red Sea leads only to one of our settlements. The city has no growth, although considering its problem, that is not such a bad thing at the moment.

- Thebes (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 224 men (170 florins)

Half the men there could be disbanded. There are bandits nearby who while technically in the Cairo province, are very close to Thebes.

- Dongola (Vartholomaios Ksiros): 109 men (free)

Has a damaged building.

- Solomeia (Efthymios ek Herakliou): 611 men (545 florins) and 112 men (free)

Most of the men here should be disbanded, but not before crushing the remnants of a Fatamid army which has lingered there unmolested for far too long.

- Leon Symmachos and Vakchos Tzetzis: 21 men (74 florins) and 258 men (288 florins)

Both of these men are camping near the now rebel Kosmopolis. They have not enough forces to retake it and are in position to do absolutely nothing to help the Empire. These forces are so far away, it would be better to disband them than to send them somewhere else. Perhaps they could assist the forces of Solomeia against the Fatamid remnants before being disbanded.

Of course, due to the scope of this report, some errors may have been made and some informations could not be found. Corrections, suggestions and clarification about the ownership of certain settlements will be appreciated.

[Zim]

A nervous looking middle-aged man picks up a couple large scrolls from Senator Arintheos' table and stands to address the Senate. After several deep breaths he speaks.

"I am Iakob ek Trebizond, one of Senator Arintheos' aides. I wrote the report referenced in Senator Markos' own section on the Balkans. I've been asked by my employer to read it, as both he and Senator Markos feel it brings up some important concerns that should be discussed."

Iakob shifts through the scrolls in his hands for a moment before finding the right one and continuing.

"Early in 1184 I was commissioned by my employer Arintheos Voutoumatis to help draft an economic policy for his candidacy. Specifically I was given access to such public records as exist on the monies that reach Imperial coffers and how they are spent.

Early on my focus was on military expenditure and its effect on the pace of economic and infrastructure development in Imperial cities. Senator Voutoumatis wished to know if the funds would be available to both continue our wars against the Turks and Venetians and provide our settlements with much needed infrastructure such as larger walls and economic structures. The fact that both wars faced difficulties made him concerned that perhaps our economic woes and troubles prosecuting the two wars were related. That is, that the wars were hampering economic development, with such development being necessary to hire the troops needed to complete the wars, a circle challenging to break out of.

Early calculations were positive. I found that the Empire does indeed have the military force needed to win on both fronts. In fact, we suffer an abundance of soldiers. They are merely in the wrong positions to affect the outcomes of the wars. We have large armies in the east that have not lately been used in conflict against the Turks, despite their being positioned to do so. We also have garrisons larger than needed in the west, especially in settlements such as Sofia, which could form such armies needed to push back the recent Venetian advance and defeat them once and for all. I understand Senator ek Sinopis is preparing an exhaustive report on these issues, so I will not bore you with numbers. Suffice it to say we have the military strength for the tasks at hand, and that completion of those tasks would bring in the money needed to work on our infrastructure, especially as some armies could be disbanded.

More worrisome is some discrepancies I discovered regarding Imperial income and expenditures. I noted a very large shortfall between the amount of tax income that should have been produced by our cities, and the amount that reaches the treasury. Although outside the scope of my original task, Senator Voutoumatis was as alarmed as I at this discovery, and gave me leave to follow it up. I carefully went through economic records for the major cities of the empire and believe I discovered the two main sources of the shortfall.

The larger source is general corruption, especially in cities furthest from the capital. Not so much on the level of the highest administrators in those regions, but on the lowest. Officials pocket bribes from businessmen in return for break on taxes, or even take some of the taxes paid for themselves. We lose nearly 9,000 florin a year to these traitors, and whenever one is discovered and imprisoned or executed, two pop up to take his place. More efficient bureaucracy in the form of larger town halls with better trained personnel will help this problem, but may not eliminate it.

There is another large source of lost income. I found almost 3,000 florins missing for each 1 1/2 year economic report, enough to fuel needed infrastructure improvements. Completely vanished, with no sign of ending up in corrupt officials' pockets. I spent the bulk of last year trying to find out how this money managed to vanish so completely. Luckily some of the missing money could be traced to Smyrna, which recently started using a special symbol in the stamps they use for their coins. I was able to trace large amounts of these coins to the west coast of the Balkans, and further beyond to southern Italy.

It turns out that large numbers of both Greek soldiers and Latin mercenary troops were spending these coins, as well as other Imperial tender, in small villages on the coast of southern Italy. They have also turned up in other coastal villages in the reason, where locals I interviewed claimed mixed Greek and Latin mercenary forces took boats ashore to purchase supplies supposedly meant for a larger fleet in the Aegean Sea. The money spent was in amounts far too large to have come from anywhere but the Imperial treasury.

There are only two mixed Greek and Latin forces in the Aegean Sea, that of the Emperor and that of the rebel Senator Helarionas. I was able to eliminate the former as he has resupplied his fleet and paid wages through normal Imperial channels. Thus I am led to believe that elements within the Empire have been diverting funds meant for the treasury to Helarionas.

I do not mean this theory as an indictment of Helarionas or even his possible benefactors. The Senator is in a position to take any money he can, and his plan to sack Rome is likely an attempt to gain his own funds. Those supplying him the money, assuming my theory correct, may be acting out of some perceived duty or belief in Helarionas' cause. What I am more concerned with is that we have had armies paid by the Imperial treasury chasing another army paid by the treasury, while we have been engaged in two wars. Likely Emperor Ioannis realized this and that is why he turned away from chasing Helarionas this last year.

This unfortunate state of affairs underscores our need to unite in the common cause of the Empire. Resolving the issue of Helarionas and the Caesar's daughter is of utmost importance not only as a moral obligation, but of economic necessity".

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Just having a bit of fun with the fact that Helarionas' army and fleet still costs the faction money.

[TinCow]

"I am extending the period for proposing legislation and campaigning for election until Monday, February 2nd at 23:00 GMT."

(OOC: I am very busy until Monday morning, and don't even have time to check PMs or read all the posts. I am thus extending the debate period until I can do so. There will be no further delays for OOC reasons, as all of my time constraints disappear on Monday.)